Your damp, dark basement offers the best environmental conditions for mould growth. If your home has a basement, there are high chances that you have mould growing in some corner. However, do not ignore even the smallest of mould infestations as the mould can gradually spread throughout the remaining areas of your home.
A malfunctioning HVAC system or faulty plumbing through the basement could lead to dampness in your basement, thus, promoting the growth of mould. This can lead to property damage, low indoor air quality, and contamination.
So, to avoid such situations, here are some tips for effectively removing mould growth in your basement. You can also take help from mould removal Melbourne for the same.
Make the basement dry
The foremost action you can take is to stop the source of moisture. Repair the condensation in your HVAC system, all the leaky pipes, or a crack in a doorway or window as soon as possible. Also, dry out all the damp space. If the mould growth is via your basement walls, you can use a dehumidifier to pull out the excess moisture. If you live in a warm temperatures area, you can also keep the windows open to increase air circulation, or run an exhaust fan to draw out the moisture.
Remove the mouldy stuff
If possible, try to eliminate all the mouldy articles and stuff present in your basement. You can wash them in a bleach-saturated load of laundry; however, it's recommended to entirely discard the mould-affected items, as they may pose a risk of contaminating other parts of your home. Remember to photograph them or add in inventory before disposing of them, just in case you need to involve your insurance company.
Scrub off mould
If the mould is dusty in your basement, you will need to dampen it again before scrubbing or wiping it off. This is because the dusty spores can become airborne and are even more dangerous as you at a high risk of inhaling them. You can use a spray bottle filled with cool water to dampen the mould, but be careful not to over-saturate it, or it can aggravate your problem.
A bristled brush or a scrub can be used to remove mould using a solution of dish soap and water. Next, take a clean rag and wipe the soapy area with a solution of bleach and water in equal quantities. Discard the items properly after use.
After scrubbing
After cleaning the mould, check the exposed plumbing again for leaks and drains for any clogs. Also, ensure that the seal around your windows is appropriately tightened. Moreover, after scrubbing off the mould and disinfecting the surface, seal your walls with a primer that contains a moisture barrier.
Conclusion
Therefore, it can be a daunting task to remove black mould from the basement by yourself. Therefore, if the growth is immense, you are unsure how to pursue the task, it's better to contact a professional mould remediation service and let them do their work using their expertise.